The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-12-16


domestic producers sometimes has the fleet
OF keeping the price Of their products below
the highest limit allowed by such duty.
But it is notorious that this competition is
too often strangled by combinations quite
prevalent at this time, and frequently called
trusts, which have for their object the
regulation of the supply Gnd price Of CON-
modities made and sold by members Of the
combination. The people can hardly hope
for any consideration in the operation OF
these selfish schemes.
If, however, in the absence of suchc ombi
nation, a healthy and free competition
reduces the price of any particular dutiable
article OF home production below the limit
which 1t might otherwise reach under our
tariff laws. and if, with such reduced price,
is manufacture continues to thrive, it is
entirely evident that one thing has been dis
covered which should be carefully scIutin-
lied in an effort to reduce taxation.
The necessity OF combination TO maintain
the price of any commodity to the tariff
point furnishes proof that some one is will
ing to accept lower prices for such commo-
dity, and that such prices are remuneratlve
and lower prices produced by competition
prove the same thing. Thus where either
of these conditions exist, a case would seem
10 be presented for an easy reduction OF
taxation.
REELECTION OF CUSTOMS DUTIES.
The considerations which have been pre-
sented touching our tariff laws are intended
only 10 enforce an earnest recommendation
that the surplus revenues OF the Govern
ment be prevented by the reduction of our
customs duties. and, at the same time, TO
emphasize suggestion that in accomplish
ing this purpose, We may discharge a dou-
bic duty toour people by graDting to them a
measure of relief from tariff taxation in
quarters where it can be most needed and
from sources where il can be most fairly
and justly accorded.
Nor can the presentation made of such
considerations be, with any degree of fair
ness, regarded as evidence of unfriendliness
toward our manufacturing interests. or of
any lack of appreciation Of their value and
Importance.
These interests consttuts ! leading and
most substantial element Of our cOuntry's
progress. But if In the emergency that
presses upon Us our manufacturers are ask
ed to surrender something for the public
good and to avert disaster, their patriotism
as we'll as a grestful recognition OF advan-
tages already afforded. should lead them to
willing corporation. No demand is made
that they shall forgo all the benefits OF goY-
eTmental regard but they cannot fail to be
admonished of their duty, as well as their
enlightened selfinterest and safety, when
they are reminded OF the fact that financial
panic and collapse, TO which the present
condition tends, afford no greater shelter or
protection to our manufacturers then to our
ether important enterprises. Opportunity
for safe, careful, and deliberate reform is
now offered and none or US should be IN
mindful of time when an abused and irTi-
tated people. needless of those who have re-
sisted timely and reasonable relief, may in
sist upon radical and sweeping recitfca-
tion of their wrongs.
The difficulty attending a wise and fair
revision of our tariff laws Is not urderesti-
mated. II will require on the part OF the
Congress great labor and care, and especial
Iy broad and national contemplation of
the subject, and a patriotic disregard of
such local and selfish claims as are unreas-
enable and reckless OF the welfare of the en-
tire country.
METHODS OF RELIEF SUGGESTED.
Under our present laws more than four
thousand articles are subject to duty. Many
OF these do not in any way compete with
our own manufacturers, and many are hard
ly worth attention subjects of revenue
A considerable reduction can be made in
the aggregate, by adding them to the free
list. The taxation of lnxmies presents no
features of hardship; but the necessarIes of
life used and consumed by all the people,
the duty upon which adds TO the cost OF liv-
ing in every home, SHOULD be greatly cheap
ened.
The radical reduction of the duties i'm
posed upon raw material used In manufac-
lures, or its free importation, is of course an
Important factor in any effort to reduce the
price OF these necessaries it would not on
Iy relieve them from the increased cost
caused by the tariff on such material, but
the manufactured product being thus cheap
ened, that part OF the tariff row laid upou
such product. as a compensation to our
manufacturers for the present price of raw
material. coulG be accordingly modified,
Such reduction, or free importation, would
serve beside 10 largely reduce the TeYenus.
1t is apparent how such change can have
any Injurious effect upon our manufactur-
ers. On tie contrary, it would appear to
give them a better chance in foreign mark
cts with the manufacturers of other coun-
tries, who cheaper their wares by free ma
terIal. Thus our people might have the op-
pOrtunity of extending their sales beyond
the limits of home cOBsunptiOD-saVing
them from the depression, Interruption in
business, and loss caused by a glutted DO
mestic market and affordiDg their employees
more certain and steady labor, with ITS re-
sulting quiet and contentment.
The question thus imperatively presented
for solution should be approached in a spirit
higher than pertisauship and considered ID
the light of that regard for patriotic duty
which should characterize the action of
those intrusted with the veal OF a coufiding
people. But the obligation to declared party
policy and principle Is not wanting to urge
prompt and effective action. Both Of the
great political parties now represented in
the Government have, by repeated and au-
tnoritative declarations, condemned the
condition OF our laws which permit the col
lection from the people of unnecessary reve-
nue., and have, in the most solemn manner,
promised its correction and neither as cit
iZens or partisans are our couDtrymen in q
mood TO condone the deliberate violation OF
there pledges.
Our progress toward a wise conclusion
will not be improved by dwelling ppon the
theories OF protection a free trade. Thi,
savorS too much of bandying epithets. It Is